U.S. patent application number 11/650626 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for eyeglasses with a heart rate monitor.
Invention is credited to David Chao, Robert Grant Day, Thomas A. Howell, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong.
Application Number | 20070109491 11/650626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38040411 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070109491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howell; Thomas A. ; et
al. |
May 17, 2007 |
Eyeglasses with a heart rate monitor
Abstract
A pair of glasses with a heart-rate monitor according to one
embodiment. The heart-rate monitor is configured to measure the
heart rate of the user of the glasses. The heart-rate monitor can
include a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a radiation
receiver. The radiation could be infrared radiation. In one
approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the
transmitter through a body part of the user to measure the user's
heart rate. The sensor could be incorporated in a clip to clip onto
the body part of the user, such as the ear lobe of the user. In
another approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the
transmitter and reflected by a body part of the user to measure the
user's heart rate.
Inventors: |
Howell; Thomas A.; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Chao; David; (Saratoga, CA) ;
Thomas; C. Douglass; (Campbell, CA) ; Day; Robert
Grant; (San Francisco, CA) ; Tong; Peter P.;
(Mountain View, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPVENTURE, INC.
5150 EL CAMINO REAL
SUITE A-22
LOS ALTOS
CA
94022
US
|
Family ID: |
38040411 |
Appl. No.: |
11/650626 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11183256 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
11650626 |
Jan 6, 2007 |
|
|
|
10964011 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
7192136 |
|
|
11183256 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
60509631 |
Oct 9, 2003 |
|
|
|
60527565 |
Dec 8, 2003 |
|
|
|
60562798 |
Apr 15, 2004 |
|
|
|
60583169 |
Jun 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
60592045 |
Jul 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
60605191 |
Aug 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
60618107 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
60620238 |
Oct 18, 2004 |
|
|
|
60647836 |
Jan 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
60647826 |
Jan 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
60787850 |
Apr 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
60846150 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
60763854 |
Jan 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6816 20130101;
A61B 5/742 20130101; G02C 11/10 20130101; A61B 5/02433 20130101;
A61B 5/6803 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/041 |
International
Class: |
G02C 5/00 20060101
G02C005/00 |
Claims
1. A pair of glasses for a user comprising: a frame for the
glasses; and a heart-rate monitor with at least a portion of the
electronics of the heart-rate monitor being embedded in the frame,
wherein the heart-rate monitor is configured to measure the heart
rate of the user.
2. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the heart-rate
monitor includes a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a
radiation receiver to measure the heart rate of the user, wherein
the sensor is external to the frame, wherein the heart-rate monitor
includes at least one electrical conductor electrically coupling
the sensor to the electronics of the heart-rate monitor embedded in
the frame, wherein the sensor is incorporated in a clip connected
to one end of the electrical connector, wherein to measure the
heart rate of the user, the clip clips onto a part of the body of
the user, and at least a portion of the radiation from the
transmitter transmits through at least a portion of the body part
to be received by the receiver, and wherein the radiation includes
infrared radiation.
3. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 2, wherein the part of the
body is a part of an ear of the user.
4. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 2, wherein the electrical
conductor is inside an adjustable mechanical arm.
5. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 2, wherein the electrical
conductor is inside a malleable semi-rigid cable.
6. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the heart-rate
monitor includes a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a
radiation receiver to measure the heart rate of the user, wherein
to measure the heart rate, at least a portion of the radiation from
the transmitter is reflected by at least a part of the body of the
user, to be received by the radiation receiver, and wherein the
radiation includes infrared radiation.
7. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the heart-rate
monitor includes a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a
radiation receiver to measure the heart rate of the user, wherein
the frame includes at least one nose pad, wherein the sensor is
embedded in the nose pad, and wherein the part of the body is the
nose of the user.
8. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 7, wherein the frame
includes electronic circuits to process outputs from the sensor,
wherein the electronic circuits configured to process sensor
outputs are not at the nose pad in which the sensor is embedded,
and wherein the electronic circuits configured to process sensor
outputs are electrically coupled to the sensor via at least one
electrical conductor embedded in the frame.
9. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the glasses
include wireless circuits to allow the electronics embedded in the
frame for heart-rate monitoring to be wirelessly activated.
10. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the glasses
include wireless circuits to wirelessly transmit signals regarding
the heart rate of the user to a portable or handheld electronic
device.
11. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the glasses
include wireless circuits to wirelessly transmit signals regarding
the heart rate of the user to an electronic device that is designed
to be stationary.
12. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1 further comprising a
speaker that is configured to output music or an exercise
program.
13. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 12 wherein the speed of
the music depends on an exercise program for the user.
14. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 12 wherein the speed of
the music depends on the measured heart rate of the user.
15. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 12 wherein the speaker
plays a song that is selected to train the user physically.
16. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1 wherein the measured
heart rate is used to calculate calories burnt by the user over a
duration of time.
17. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of an activity sensor is embedded in the frame.
18. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of a temperature sensor is embedded in the frame.
19. A pair of glasses as recited in claim 1, wherein the heart rate
is measured to address a health problem of the user, and wherein a
signal is generated if the user's heart beat is beyond a
predetermined threshold to provide an alert regarding the health
problem.
20. An electronic apparatus that is configured to be worn by a user
in the vicinity of the user's head comprising: a heart-rate monitor
with at least a portion of the monitor being embedded in the
apparatus, wherein the heart-rate monitor is configured to measure
the heart rate of the user, and wherein the heart-rate monitor
includes a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a radiation
receiver to measure the heart rate of the user.
21. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the
apparatus is selected from a list consisting of a hat, a swimming
cap, and a pair of goggles.
22. An electronic apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the
sensor is embedded at a part of the apparatus that is designed to
press against a part of the user's head when the apparatus is
worn.
23. An electronic apparatus that is configured to be worn by a user
in the vicinity of the user's head comprising: a nose pad; and a
monitor that is configured to measure a physical condition of the
user, with at least a portion of the monitor being embedded in the
nose pad, wherein the monitor is configured to measure the physical
condition of the user of the apparatus, and wherein to measure the
physical condition of the user, the nose pad is in contact with the
nose of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/183,256, filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled
"EYEGLASSES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/964,011, filed Oct. 12, 2004, and entitled "TETHERED ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference, which in turn claims priority to each of: (i) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/509,631, filed Oct. 9, 2003,
and entitled "TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES," which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/527,565, filed Dec. 8, 2003, and entitled
"ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES," which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/562,798, filed Apr. 15, 2004, entitled
"EYEWEAR WITH ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION SYSTEM," and which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/583,169, filed Jun. 26, 2004, entitled
"ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR USE WITH EYEWEAR, AND METHODS THEREFOR,"
and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,045, filed Jul. 28, 2004,
entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH A CLOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT,"
and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (vi) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/605,191, filed Aug. 28, 2004,
entitled "ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR USE WITH EYEWEAR, AND METHODS
THEREFOR," and which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,256 also claims
priority to each of: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/618,107, filed Oct. 12, 2004, and entitled "TETHERED ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/620,238,
filed Oct. 18, 2004, entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED AND
OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES," and which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/647,836, filed Jan. 31, 2005, and entitled
"EYEGLASSES WITH HEART RATE MONITOR," which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 60/647,826, filed Jan. 31, 2005, and entitled "EYEWEAR WITH
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0003] The application also claims priority to each of: (i) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/787,850, filed Apr. 1, 2006,
and entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH A HEART RATE MONITOR," which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/846,150, filed Sep. 20, 2006, and
entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH ACTIVITY MONITORING," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; and (iii) U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/763,854, filed Jan. 30, 2006, and entitled "HAT
WITH A RADIATION SENSOR," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0004] In addition, this application is related to each of: (i)
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,218, filed Apr. 12, 2004,
and entitled "EYEGLASSES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS," which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/964,011, filed Oct. 12, 2004, and entitled
"TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/006,343, filed Dec. 7, 2004, and entitled "ADAPTABLE
COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/078,855, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled "EYEWEAR WITH
RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/078,857, filed
Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled "RADIATION MONITORING SYSTEM," which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vi) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/183,269, filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled
"EYEWEAR SUPPORTING AFTER-MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS," which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vii) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/183,283, filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled
"EVENT EYEGLASSES," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference; (viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,262,
filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED
AND OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (ix) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/183,263, filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH
A CLOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; (x) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/183,276, filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled "EYEGLASSES WITH
ACTIVITY MONITORING," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference; and (xi) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
11/580,222, filed Oct. 11, 2006, and entitled "EYEGLASSES
SUPPORTING AFTER MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There are various devices to measure heart rates. For
example, one approach depends on wrapping a band across a person's
chest. Electrodes in the band can sense the person's heart beat and
wirelessly transmit the measured signals to a receiver. This
approach can be quite inconvenient because the person has to wear a
band across his chest in order to get the necessary
measurements.
[0006] Another approach to measure heart beat is to clip an
infrared sensor onto a person's finger. The sensor is connected to
a machine through a wire. This approach is unsatisfactory if one
intends to remain active, or to use one's hands while measurements
are taken.
[0007] It should be apparent from the foregoing that there is still
a need for an accurate heart rate monitor that is convenient to use
for a person who may be in motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a heart
rate sensor attached to, integral with or tethered to a pair of
glasses. When worn, the pair of glasses is in a stable position
relative to the user. The glasses serve as a good platform for
heart rate sensing.
[0009] In one embodiment, the sensor can be an infrared transmitter
with an infrared detector on a clip. The clip could be tethered to
a temple of the glasses. The user can attach the clip to her ear
lobe to measure her heart rate. With the ear lobe being adjacent to
the glasses, the length of the wire tethering the clip to the
temple could be relatively short. A short wire is more convenient
for the user than a long wire, particularly if the user has to move
around. Also, the degree of movement of the clip relative to the
ear lobe typically is less if the wire is short, which could lead
to more accurate measurements.
[0010] In another embodiment, instead of a wire, the clip could be
electrically coupled to the glasses through an adjustable
mechanical arm, or a semi-rigid arm or cable. The mechanical arm or
semi-rigid arm or cable could enhance the stability of the clip
relative to the glasses.
[0011] In one embodiment, there could be an output device to
provide outputs to the user, such as regarding her heart rate. For
example, the output device could be based on audio or visual
capabilities or both. In the embodiment with visual outputs, the
output device could be located at the inside, peripheral position
of the glasses, such as close to a hinge of the glasses, linking a
temple to a lens holder.
[0012] In one embodiment, there could be a wireless transceiver in
the glasses to send signals regarding the monitored heart rate to a
portable or handheld device carried by the user for additional
processing and/or display.
[0013] In another embodiment, signals regarding the monitored heart
rate can be wirelessly received by a non-portable device, such as a
stationary bike or a treadmill. The signals could be used to adjust
the operations of the device, such as changing the speed of the
treadmill based on the monitored heart rate.
[0014] In another embodiment, the glasses further include a memory
device storing, for example, exercise programs or songs. The memory
device could be integral with or attached to the glasses. The user
could be following a stored workout program, which could give the
user commands, such as, "Keep running at the same pace for the next
3 minutes"; or "Keep running at the same pace until I tell you to
stop." At the end of the workout program, the user could be
notified of the number of calories burned, distance traveled,
etc.
[0015] In another embodiment, the heart rate monitor is for
monitoring the user's certain health conditions, such as to help
the user with irregular heart beat. For example, the glasses keep
track of the user's heart rate, which could be subsequently
downloaded to another device to be displayed for a doctor. In
another example, if the monitored heart rate exceeds certain
predetermined threshold, an alert signal would be automatically
sent to a health care provider for the user.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the heart rate sensor or monitor
could be designed as an aftermarket product, such as designed in or
designed to be attachable to a replaceable temple or replaceable
temple tip. This allows the user to acquire the sensor or monitor
subsequent to getting a pair of glasses.
[0017] In one embodiment, the glasses further include at least a
portion of other electronic devices, such as a pedometer or a
temperature sensor. The outputs from the different devices could be
combined to help the user. For example, if the user constantly
experiences irregular heart beat, the pedometer with the heart rate
monitor would be able to better indicate if the user has been
active or at rest at the onset of an irregular heart beat.
[0018] In one embodiment, the heart rate sensor is based on
measuring reflected radiation. The sensor can be configured to
maintain substantially a constant distance to the position on the
skin that the sensor is measuring. Such a sensor could include an
infrared transceiver. In one example, such a sensor is at a nose
pad of a pair of glasses.
[0019] In different embodiments, the glasses could be sunglasses,
prescription glasses, reading glasses, or swimming or skiing
goggles. In one embodiment, there could be a strap, cord or lanyard
attached to the glasses. In another embodiment, a heart rate
monitor or sensor is attached or tethered to, or integral with, the
strap, cord or lanyard. In one embodiment, a heart rate monitor or
sensor is attached or tethered to, or integral with, an apparatus
wearable to the head of the user. Examples of such an apparatus
include hats, headbands and helmets.
[0020] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, which,
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
illustrates by way of example the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a person wearing a pair of glasses with a heart
rate sensor according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a pair of glasses with LED as outputs according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 3A-D show examples of circuits to measure the heart
rate of a user according to different embodiments of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a heart rate sensor clip being attached to the
tip of a temple of a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a heart rate sensor clip being attached through
an adjustable mechanical arm to a temple of a pair of glasses
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a heart rate sensor clip being attached through
a semi-rigid arm or cable to a temple of a pair of glasses
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a heart rate sensor that is based on measuring
reflected signals according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Same numerals in FIGS. 1-7 are assigned to similar elements
in all the figures. Embodiments of the invention are discussed
below with reference to FIGS. 1-7. However, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given
herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as
the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In one embodiment, a pair of glasses for a user has a heart
rate (heart beat) monitor. The heart rate monitor can be partially
or fully embedded in the eyeglasses. For example, the heart rate
monitor can be substantially embedded in a temple of the
eyeglasses. In another embodiment, the heart rate monitor can be
coupled (either permanently or temporarily) to the eyeglasses.
[0030] In one embodiment, the heart rate monitor can include an
infrared sensor (or IR sensor) and processing circuitry. Using
measurements from the infrared sensor, the processing circuitry can
determine the user's heart rate. The eyeglasses can also include
one or more output devices, such as a speaker or beeper, for audio
output, and/or a display for visual output.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a pair of eyeglasses 500 having heart
rate monitoring capabilities according to one embodiment. The pair
of eyeglasses 500 includes left and right temples 502 and left and
right lens holders 504.
[0032] A rearward temple portion 506 (e.g., temple tip region) of
at least one of the temples 502 includes an electrical connector
508. As an example, the electrical connector 508 is a standard
connector such as a 3.5 mm mini-phone connector or a bus connector
(e.g., USB connector). In FIG. 1, the connector is depicted to be
at the end of a temple. The connector or a different connector
could be at other locations as described in related applications,
which have been incorporated by reference. The electrical connector
508 enables the eyeglasses 500 to easily connect with other
electrical devices, such as a computing device.
[0033] In addition, the eyeglasses can be coupled to a clip 510
having an infrared (IR) transmitter 511 and an IR receiver 512 on
opposite sides of one end of the clip 510. In one embodiment, an IR
sensor includes the IR transmitter 511 and the IR receiver 512.
[0034] In operation, the clip 510 is clipped to a body part of the
user, such as one of the user's ears. Different parts of the ears
could be clipped, such as the ear lobe (as illustrated in FIG. 1)
or the upper portion 509 of the person's ear. During measurement,
at least a portion of the IR radiation from the transmitter 511
transmits through the body part that is clipped, and is received by
the IR receiver 512 to be measured. For example, when an ear lobe
is clipped as depicted in FIG. 1, the ear lobe is sandwiched
between the IR transmitter 511 and the IR receiver 512.
[0035] The IR sensor is electrically connected to processing
circuitry. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry can be at
least partially embedded in the eyeglasses (e.g., in at least one
of the temples), and is electrically connected to the IR sensor
through a cable 514. Alternatively, the cable 514 could have an
electrical connector at one end that can removably couple to the
electrical connector 508 at the glasses. This would allow the IR
sensor to be detachable from the glasses, and to be electrically
connected with the processing circuitry via electrical connectors
when needed.
[0036] In one implementation, the clip 510 is a small spring-clip,
the IR transmitter 511 is an IR LED, and the IR receiver 512 is a
silicon photodiode.
[0037] In another embodiment, the IR sensor further includes a red
light source (e.g. a red LED) and a light receiver (e.g. a light
photodiode). In this embodiment, the heart rate sensor monitors
heart rate by a combination of IR and red light.
[0038] The eyeglasses 500 can also include at least one switch 516
and one or more output devices, which could be visual indicators.
The switch 516 can serve as a start switch. In one embodiment,
visual indicators, as shown in FIG. 2, can be located on the
interior of a lens holder, such as the left lens holder 504. In
another embodiment, visual indicators are located at relatively
inconspicuous locations that could be seen by the user without
taking the glasses off. For example, the visual indicators can be
located on the interior of a temple, close to its end that connects
with the corresponding lens holder. In one embodiment, the visual
indicators are LEDs. For example, the eyeglasses 500 include a
first LED 518 (e.g., green LED) and a second LED 520 (e.g., red
LED).
[0039] FIGS. 3A-3D shows examples of circuits to measure the pulse
of a user according to an embodiment. The examples serve as
illustrations, and other types of circuits could be used. In
general, the circuits include an infrared LED and a photodiode. The
LED and the photodiode could be on opposite sides of a clip, which
is clipped onto a part of the user, such as her ear lobe during
measurement. The output of the photodiode is a function of the
amount of flesh or tissue between the photodiode and the LED. If
the distance between the photodiode and the LED changes, the output
could change. The output is also a function of the blood pulsing
through the tissues. The amount of output due to the tissue could
be manifested as a DC offset, which is combined with the pulsing
signals due to the blood going through the tissue. In one
embodiment, the circuits measure the pulse of the user by
stabilizing the outputs from the IR sensor (such as with a feedback
loop), filtering out the DC offset and amplifying the outputs to
extract the pulse signals.
[0040] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of an input circuit 600. The
input circuit 600 uses a feedback loop to stabilize the outputs
from an infrared LED 602, which radiates infrared to be received by
a photodiode 604. The negative terminal of the photodiode 604 is
connected to a voltage source V, such as 4.5 volts. The positive
terminal of the photodiode 604 is connected to a low-pass filter
with a resistor 606, such as 100 K.OMEGA., and a capacitor 608,
such as 0.22 .mu.f, in parallel. The low pass filter has a cut-off
frequency of 7 Hz. The other end of the low-pass filter is
connected to a voltage source -V, such as -4.5 volts. The cathode
terminal of the photodiode is connected through a resistor 612,
such as 1 M.OMEGA., to the negative input of an operational
amplifier ("opamp") 610, such as a LM324. The positive input of the
opamp 610 is connected to ground. The negative input of the opamp
610 is also connected to its output through another low pass
filter, with a cutoff frequency of 3.4 Hz. This low pass filter has
a resistor 616, such as 10 M.OMEGA. in parallel with a capacitor
614, such as 0.005 .mu.f. The output of the opamp 610 is connected
to the positive terminal of the infrared LED 602, whose negative
terminal is connected to ground through a resistor 618, such as
180.OMEGA.. The output of the opamp 610 is designated as S1. In one
embodiment, the opamp 610 changes or modulates the output from the
LED 602 so as to keep the signals from the photodiode 604 to be
about the center of its operating range. In one example, the
signals S1 are about 0.2 volts.+-.0.01 volt. The pulse signals
substantially vary between the .+-.0.01 volt.
[0041] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a two-pole low pass filter
630. Through a first low pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 16
Hz, the signals S1 are received by the positive input of an opamp
636, such as a LM324. The low pass filter has a resistor 632, such
as 1 M.OMEGA., connected to a capacitor 634, such as 0.01 .mu.f,
and then to ground. The junction of the resistor 632 and the
capacitor 634 is connected to the positive input of the opamp 636.
The negative input and the feedback loop of the opamp 636 have
another low pass filter, also with a cut off frequency of 16 Hz.
This low pass filter includes two resistors and a capacitor. One
resistor 642, such as 1 M.OMEGA., is connected from the negative
input of the opamp 636 to ground. Another resistor 638, such as 1
M.OMEGA., in parallel with the capacitor 640, such as 0.01 .mu.f,
is connected between the negative input and the output of the opamp
636. The signals at the output of the opamp 636 are designated as
S2.
[0042] FIG. 3C illustrates an example of a bandpass filter 650,
which at least serves to remove constant or DC signals from the
pulse signals. Through a high pass filter with a cutoff frequency
of 0.36 Hz, the signals S2 are received by the positive input of an
opamp 656, such as a LM324. The high pass filter has a capacitor
652, such as 0.22 .mu.f, connected to a resistor 654, such as 2
M.OMEGA., and then to ground. The junction of the capacitor 652 and
the resistor 654 is connected to the positive input of the opamp
656. The negative input and the feedback loop of the opamp 656 have
a low pass filter, with a cut off frequency of 16 Hz. This low pass
filter includes two resistors and a capacitor. One resistor 662,
such as 10 K.OMEGA., is connected from the negative input of the
opamp 656 to ground. Another resistor 658, such as 1 M.OMEGA., in
parallel with the capacitor 660, such as 0.01 .mu.f, is connected
between the negative input and the output of the opamp 656. The
signals at the output of the opamp 656 are designated as S3.
[0043] The signals S3 are received by another bandpass filter,
similar to the one depicted in FIG. 3C, to produce signals S4.
Through a high pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 0.36 Hz, the
signals S3 are received by the positive input of another opamp,
such as a LM324. The high pass filter has a capacitor, such as 0.22
.mu.f, connected to a resistor, such as 2 M.OMEGA., and then to
ground. The junction of the capacitor and the resistor is connected
to the positive input of the another opamp. The negative input and
the feedback loop of the another opamp have a low pass filter, with
a cut off frequency of 16 Hz. This low pass filter includes two
resistors and a capacitor. One resistor, such as 3.3 K.OMEGA., is
connected from the negative input of the another opamp to ground.
Another resistor, such as 1 M.OMEGA., in parallel with the
capacitor, such as 0.01 .mu.f, is connected between the negative
input and the output of the another opamp. The signals at the
output of the another opamp are the signals designated as S4.
[0044] The signals S4 are then received by the base of a transistor
677 through a resistor 679, such as 100 K.OMEGA., as shown in FIG.
3D. The collector of the transistor 677 is connected to a resistor
681, such as 1 K.OMEGA., which is then connected to a LED 683, and
then to +V. The emitter of the transistor 677 is connected to -V.
In this example, the LED 683, such as a red LED, blinks at the rate
of the pulse; the LED 683 serves as an output indicator. Instead of
a LED output, in an alternative embodiment, the glasses can use
audio instead of or in addition to visual clues. In such cases, the
glasses may support a speaker or other types of output mechanisms,
such as LCD, as discussed in this or related patent applications
incorporated by reference.
[0045] In another embodiment, the signals S1 could be sent to the
input of an analog-to-digital converter, whose outputs are received
by a digital signal processor to digitally process the signals.
[0046] Typically, when worn, a pair of glasses is in a stable
position relative to the user's head and ears. The stability serves
as a good platform for a heart rate sensor. Though the glasses
serve as a stable platform, there can still be noise. With the clip
applied to the user, if the user moves, the wire 514 could move
with her, which, in turn, could move the clip 510 relative to the
user. The heart rate signals from the sensor could be small
relative to, for example, noise signals or the DC offset. As an
illustration, a clip that moves during measurement could change the
DC offset because the amount of tissue compressed or measured by
the clip could change. This change in DC offset could produce
noise, reducing the signal-to-noise ratio.
[0047] There are different techniques to enhance clip stability
when clipped to the user. One can increase the pressure of the
clip. However, the pressure from the clip should not be too strong
because this could be uncomfortable to the user.
[0048] Another approach to enhance clip stability is to reduce the
length of the wire 514. FIG. 4 shows a sensor clip 704 being
attached to the tip 702 of a temple 700 of a pair of glasses 706.
If the wire moves, a shorter wire 708 would reduce its pulling on
the clip because the wire has a smaller inertia.
[0049] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the heart rate
processing circuitry is in a portable device (not in the glasses).
The portable device is carried by the user, and a wire attaches the
portable device to a heart rate sensor in a clip. The wire 514 at
the glasses is typically shorter than the wire from the portable
device carried on most other parts of the user because the glasses
are just adjacent to the clip. A shorter wire makes its pulling
force on the clip smaller. As a side note, in the example shown in
FIG. 4, the wire 708 is directly attached to the temple tip region
702 of the glasses, without requiring a connector. In another
embodiment, there could be an electrical connector at the end of
the wire 708, and the connector could attach to a connector at the
glasses.
[0050] In one embodiment, given that a heart rate sensor is
attached to or held against the user's head, the wire connecting
the sensor to a pair of glasses worn by the user is relatively
short in length. For example, the length of the wire (which could
include a number of insulated conductors) in one embodiment, can be
not more than eight (8) inches; in another embodiment, not more
than six (6) inches; in another embodiment, not more than four (4)
inches; in another embodiment, not more than three (3) inches; in
another embodiment, not more than two (2) inches; and in another
embodiment, not more than one (1) inch. The relatively short wire
can reduce potential sources of noise and can render the
corresponding heart rate monitor/sensor more comfortable for the
user.
[0051] Another approach to enhance clip stability is to couple the
clip to the glasses by a more rigid element. In other words, if the
heart-rate monitor is more rigidly or substantially rigidly
attached to the user during measurement, the measured results can
also be more stable. Since the glasses are quite stable when worn,
if the clip is more rigidly tied to the glasses, the clip is also
relatively stable. In one approach, instead of a thin wire, an
adjustable mechanical arm that is more rigid than a thin wire is
used to connect the clip to the glasses. Though more rigid, the arm
is adjustable to accommodate for people with different size ears
and/or heads. FIG. 5 shows an example of such an embodiment. In
this example, the sensor clip 720 is connected to the glasses 722
through an adjustable mechanical arm with two sections linked by a
hinge. The hinge could be made relatively stiff to reduce the
motion of the arm relative to the clip 720. The heart rate sensor
in the clip 720 could be electrically connected to electronics in
the glasses through one or more conducting wires embedded inside
the arm 724.
[0052] In another embodiment, the clip can be more rigidly or
substantially rigidly attached to the user during measurement by a
stiff wire 514, such as by making the wire with a thicker cable.
This can reduce movement of, or substantially immobilize the clip.
FIG. 6 shows an example of a clip 730 being attached through a
semi-rigid cable 734 to a temple tip 732 of a pair of glasses 736.
The cable is semi-rigid, and is malleable enough to allow the
location of the clip 730 to be adjusted relative to an ear 738. In
one embodiment, the cable could be a number of insulated solid
copper wires, in the range of 18 to 26 gauge, bundled together. In
another embodiment, the cable could be a number of insulated
conductor wires, each being, for example, 22AWG solid copper wire.
The heart rate sensor in the clip 730 could be electrically
connected to electronics in the glasses through insulated copper
wires bundled to form the cable 734.
[0053] A number of techniques have been described on stabling the
wire or the clip relative to the glasses. In one embodiment, the
glasses could also be stabilized by a strap. One example of a strap
is a sport strap that snugly attaches or secures the glasses to the
user's head. Such a strap is typically used for sport activities.
The two ends of the strap could be coupled to the temples of the
glasses, and can be located close to their corresponding lens
holders. The coupling can be based on mechanical connectors (e.g.
snaps, clips), part of which may be integral with the temples of
the glasses, and the other part integral with the straps. In
another embodiment, the strap could be a lanyard.
[0054] One reason to reduce the mobility of the wire 514, the clip
510 and/or the glasses is that this may increase the stability of
the signals from the heart rate sensor, or to increase the
signal-to-noise ratio. In one embodiment, the signal-to-noise ratio
could be enhanced through signal processing techniques, such as
digital signal processing techniques. For example, a digital signal
processor could average the IR sensor outputs, such as the signals
S1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. In another embodiment, an
output signal from the sensor is ignored if the signal differs from
its immediate prior signal measured at a predetermined interval
earlier, by more than a preset %. The rationale is that a person's
heart rate cannot change too drastically. If the output changes
beyond a certain predefined threshold from its prior value, the
likelihood is high that the output is erroneous. In yet another
embodiment, an output is accepted only if it is within a certain
predetermined threshold of the average of a number of its prior
readings. For example, the output is accepted if it is within 30%
of three of its prior readings, which could be readings or sensor
outputs taken at an interval of every 2 seconds.
[0055] A number of embodiments have been described where the
processing circuits are in the glasses. In one embodiment, the IR
sensor output (or the signal after some processing, such as
amplification, of the sensor output), is transmitted through a
cable connected from the connector 508 at the glasses to a portable
device. The portable device could be carried by the user and the
portable device could further process the received signals. In
other words, some processing of the signals can be performed at
another computing device connected to the glasses. Instead of
through wired connection, in another embodiment, the electrical
connection is performed wirelessly. In this wireless embodiment,
the glasses include wireless circuits to transmit the sensor
outputs (or after some processing of the sensor outputs or signals
regarding the heart rate of the user of the glasses) to another
computing device to be, for example, displayed. The another
computing device could be a portable or handheld electronics device
the user carries. Different wireless transceiving (transmitting and
receiving) capabilities in the glasses have been described in
related applications, which have been incorporated by
reference.
[0056] Instead of wirelessly coupled to a portable or handheld
device, in another embodiment, signals from electronics in glasses
(or information regarding the user's heart rate) are wirelessly
coupled to and used by an electronic stationary device. The device
or machine is designed to be non-portable or non-handheld, such as
a stationary bike, treadmill or stair stepper machine. In one
embodiment, the operations of the stationary device are modified
based on the received signals. For example, the device is a
treadmill, which includes a number of workout programs. In one
embodiment, a workout program in the treadmill depends on the
measured heart rate of the user. For example, in a normal sequence,
the program will increase the speed of the treadmill. However, in
view of the tracked heart rate of the user, the program maintains
the speed of the treadmill.
[0057] The eyeglasses as described in this application can be used
to measure the user's heart rate on demand by the user, or
passively or automatically once every predetermined amount of time.
Also the user's heart rate can be measured over a duration of time,
such as during an exercise routine or program.
[0058] A representative example of using the eyeglasses 500 during
an exercise routine is explained as follows. The user can be
skiing, biking or jogging; and the eyeglasses can be a pair of
skiing goggles, an eyeglass frame designed for exercise, or a pair
of sunglasses. Back to the exercise routine, first, the user puts
on the glasses 500 and clips the clip 510 to her earlobe. Next, the
start switch 516 is activated (e.g., pressed). Assume that the user
is resting and does not have an elevated heart rate when the start
switch 516 is activated. Next, green/red signals from green/red
LEDs, 518 and 520, continue to blink till the sensor has finished
measuring the user's resting heart rate. One way the sensor stops
blinking is when the measured heart rate does not change more than
a predefined threshold for a few measurements.
[0059] Note that instead of green/red blinking signals, there could
be other type of output mechanisms pertaining to any of a variety
of visual and/or audio indicators. For example, the visual output
mechanism can be a LCD display or can be one or more LEDs. After a
preset amount of time, such as 15 seconds, the initial measurement
is complete, and only the green LED blinks, thereby indicating that
the user can begin her workout. During the workout, the LEDs can
have the following meanings: [0060] Blinking red: too fast--slow
down. [0061] Blinking green: too slow--speed up. [0062] Solid
green: just perfect--maintain your pace. [0063] Red/Green: the
program is about to change to a new sequence.
[0064] In one embodiment, such as with blinking green signals, the
user is further notified that her pace is too slow to burn
calories, and she should speed up. The notification could be
through different mechanisms, such as through audio signals or
other visual signals, or both. After the workout is over, the
display shows solid Red and solid Green for a preset amount of
time, such as 15 seconds, and then goes off. If the user wants to
extend the workout, the user could activate the switch 516 again
(e.g., press the switch button once for about 1/2 second) and then
the glasses will add another 10 minutes to the workout.
[0065] In one embodiment, the recommended pace of exercise depends
on the age and sex of the user. For example, the user's age and sex
are entered into the glasses. Based on such information, the
glasses automatically determine the range of appropriate heart
beats per minute for optimum exercise. Based on the heart rate
measured, the glasses would recommend the user to go faster or
slower so as to fall within the range.
[0066] In another embodiment, the glasses include a speaker, which
instructs the user regarding a workout program. For example, the
glasses could instruct the user to continue at the same pace of
exercise (e.g. to maintain the same heart rate) for the next 5
minutes. At the end of the 5 minutes, the glasses would instruct
the user to, for example, stop running, and start walking (e.g. to
reduce the heart rate).
[0067] Hence, the heart rate monitoring provided with the glasses
is convenient and useful for those desirous of an effective
workout. The glasses can help the user maintain the user's heart
rate within the proper window for optimum fitness, which could be
entertaining to some people during their workout.
[0068] In another embodiment, the glasses can include a memory
device so that one or more workout programs and/or songs can be
stored. The memory device could be, for example, attached to or
integral with the glasses. With workout programs as examples, a
switch could be used to select a workout program. There are many
different workout programs available. In one embodiment, workout
programs can be downloaded from a website to the glasses (e.g.,
wirelessly or using the connector 508). By downloading a new
program, the user can make the selection. In one embodiment, the
glasses can be connected to a port of a computer via a connector
(e.g., the connector 508) for downloading.
[0069] In one embodiment, the operations of a workout program
depend on the measured heart rate of the user. As an example,
before the user starts her workout, the heart rate of the user is
measured and kept track of. Then, the user starts the workout
program. The workout program could be for jogging. The program
tracks the user's heart rate as a function of time. As the heart
rate increases, the program could provide indication to the user as
to whether the user should run faster (i.e. increase heart rate) or
run slower or maintain speed.
[0070] In another embodiment, the glasses could play songs, which
could be stored in a memory device inside the glasses or attached
to the glasses, such as based on a digital audio format (e.g., MP3
format). For example, an exercise program would tell the user what
to do, such as keep the same walking pace. Then for the next 5
minutes, the glasses play songs for the user. The user could select
the songs to play based on one or more switches or control
mechanisms on the glasses. Or there could be a display at or
coupled to the glasses, and the display has a user-interface
program to help the user select songs. Additional descriptions
regarding providing audio entertainment through glasses are in
related applications, which have been incorporated by
reference.
[0071] In one embodiment, the speed of the song or entertainment
depends on the measured heart rate. For example, if the exercise
program wants the user to run faster, the program would instruct
the user to run following the beat of the music, and the song is
played at a faster pace. In another embodiment, the type of songs
changes depending on the exercise routine. For example, a fast song
would be played if the user should bike faster, and a slow song
would be played if the user should bike slower. In one embodiment,
the songs could be picked or categorized by the user. In other
words, the user could select songs and categorize them accordingly,
such as some under the category of "fast" and some under the
category of "slow." Then when a fast song should be played, a fast
song designated by the user would be selected.
[0072] In one embodiment, the user enters her weight into the
glasses, or into a memory device coupled to the glasses. This again
can be done by using, for example, one or more switches at the
glasses (or the memory device) or downloaded to the glasses (or the
memory device) through the connector 508, or downloaded wirelessly.
Based on the weight and the monitored heart rate as a function of
time, processing circuitry could more accurately estimate the
calories burnt by the user as the user exercises, or after the user
has exercised for a duration of time.
[0073] A number of embodiments have been described regarding
pressing or activating a switch at the glasses. For example, the
activation can be for turning on monitoring electronics in a pair
of glasses. In one embodiment, turning on the monitoring
electronics in the glasses is done remotely. The pair of glasses
includes a wireless receiver that constantly listens to activation
signals. When such a signal is received, the monitoring electronics
in the glasses are automatically activated, such as activating a
heart-rate sensor to start measuring heart-rates. With such an
embodiment, a user does not have to physically interact with the
glasses to turn on the monitoring electronics, or to enter
information into the glasses.
[0074] In yet another embodiment, heart rate is measured to monitor
a health problem or issue of the user. For example, the user
constantly suffers from irregular heartbeat (or arrhythmia). There
could be skipped heart beats, fluttering or `flip-flops`, or
uncontrolled rapid heart beat. The heart's rhythm may be normal or
abnormal, and treatment depends on the type and seriousness of the
arrhythmia. Sometimes one does not need treatment. However, in
other situations, one might need medication, to make lifestyle
changes or to even go through surgery.
[0075] In one embodiment, the glasses keep track of the user's
heart rate. If the heart rate is irregular (e.g. suddenly goes very
fast, instead of gradually increasing), the glasses would provide
an indication to the user to relax. The glasses could include a
program to guide the user through a relaxation routine, such as a
breathing exercise.
[0076] In another embodiment, the glasses keep a record of the
user's heart rate, such as (a) when irregular heart beat occurs,
(b) the duration of the irregular heart beat and the heart rate at
the time of the irregular heart beat, (c) whether the irregular
heart beat is slow or fast, and/or (d) whether the irregular heart
beat begins or ends suddenly. Such recorded information can be
stored in a memory within or attached to the glasses and can be
downloaded to other devices, such as for a doctor to help treat the
user. The downloaded heart beat information could be displayed
visually in different formats, such as in a graphical format as a
function of time.
[0077] In one embodiment, if the condition of the irregular heart
beat is beyond a predetermined threshold, the user will be alerted
to call for medical help. For example, predetermined thresholds
could be based on the number of extra heartbeats per minutes, the
number of runs of such irregular heart beat within a predetermined
duration of time, and/or the heart beat being more than a certain
number per minute without exercise or fever.
[0078] In another embodiment, the electronics in the glasses
include wireless communication (e.g., cellular phone) capabilities.
Such capabilities have been described in related applications,
which are incorporated into this application by reference. If the
irregular heart beat condition is beyond one or more of the
predetermined thresholds, the phone or wireless transmitter would
automatically initiate a call or transmits a wireless signal to a
medical facility to ask for help for the user. Or, the call (or
signal) could be sent to a previously defined designated number or
location, which could be to a relative of the user. In another
embodiment, short-range wireless communication is established with
a portable device carried by the user. The portable device then
initiates the call.
[0079] Yet another embodiment includes a temple arrangement, such
as a temple tip, that is detachable from the glasses, and can be
acquired after the purchase of the glasses. There is at least one
electrical component in the temple arrangement. The electrical
component in the temple arrangement could interact with another
electrical component in the frame of the glasses, or in a device
tethered or coupled to the glasses. For example, a temple of a pair
of glasses holds one portion of an electrical circuit. That portion
can include generic parts, such as a battery, that are applicable
to different applications. The battery can be rechargeable. In one
embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a connector to allow a
rechargeable battery inside the glasses to be charged. Another
portion of the electrical circuit includes more
application-specific parts, and that portion is in a temple
arrangement. As an example, this application-specific portion can
be for monitoring heart rate. The temple arrangement can be an
after-market product that a user can separately acquire after
getting a pair of glasses. In another embodiment, all the
electronics, both the generic parts and the application-specific
parts, are in a temple arrangement. In yet another embodiment, all
the electronics are in a temple or a portion of a temple, which
could be acquired after market. Different embodiments regarding
temple arrangements have been described in related applications,
which are incorporated into this application.
[0080] As described above, one way to stabilize a pair of glasses
to a user's head is to use a strap or a lanyard to hold the glasses
to the user's head. In one embodiment, the IR sensor is not at the
glasses, but is attached to, integral with or tethered to the strap
or lanyard based on different techniques as described above, or in
related applications incorporated by reference.
[0081] In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses as described in
this application is replaced by an apparatus that is designed to be
worn by the user in the vicinity of the user's head. Examples of an
apparatus include a headband or a hat. In one embodiment, the hat
can be a helmet. A headband or a hat can include cloth, and the
heart-rate monitor can be attached to the cloth. Different
embodiments on attaching electronics to garments or cloth have been
described in related applications and are incorporated into the
present application by reference.
[0082] In one embodiment, the apparatus designed to be worn by the
user is a swimming cap. For example, the swimming cap conforms to
the head of the user, and can cover the ears of the user. An IR
sensor could be in a clip, such as one of the clips described in
this application. The clip could be in the vicinity of an ear lobe
of the user, and the clip could be tethered to the inside of the
cap. Electronics in the clip can be electrically connected to
electronics in the cap. In operation, the user wears the cap, and
the clip is clipped to the corresponding ear lobe to measure the
heart beat of the user. Even when the user is moving rigorously,
with the clip inside the cap and bound by the cap, such embodiments
could be used to measure the heart beat of the user.
[0083] In one embodiment, electronics are also sealed or
water-proofed. This would further enable the wearable apparatus to
be used under water.
[0084] A number of embodiments have been described where an IR
sensor is configured into a clip where infrared signals are
transmitted through a human body part, such as an ear lobe, and
then measured. In yet another embodiment, instead of measuring (or
just measuring) the transmitted signals, a radiation sensor, such
as an IR sensor, measures reflected signals. During operation, such
a sensor can be structurally configured to substantially maintain a
constant distance to the skin or body location the sensor is
measuring.
[0085] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a heart-rate sensor 750 based
on measuring reflected signals. The sensor 750 could be at least
partially embedded in a nose pad 752 of a pair of glasses 754 to
measure the heart rate of the user. With the sensor 750 located at
the nose pad 752, typically the distance between the sensor 750 and
the position of measurement 756 is substantially maintained as a
function of time and/or use when the glasses are worn. Also, with
the sensor 750 at the nose pad 752, the sensor can be substantially
or more rigidly attached to the user during measurement.
[0086] In one embodiment, the sensor 750 includes an IR emitter or
transmitter 760, and an IR receiver or detector 762. In operation,
IR radiation is emitted from the emitter 760 through a window 764
(such as an infrared window) and then is reflected at the position
of measurement 756 of the nose 770. The reflected signals are
detected by the IR detector 762. Based on such an embodiment,
typically the distance between the sensor and the location of
measurement on the nose are substantially constant or stable even
when the user is performing relatively rigorous exercise. This
could help to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
[0087] In one embodiment, one or more outputs from the sensor 750
can be processed by electronic circuits located at different parts
of the glasses. For example, the sensor 750 can be in one nose pad,
and the electronic circuits for outputs from the sensor 750 can be
in the other nose pad. The circuits can be connected or coupled to
the sensor 750 via conducting wires/cables in the bridge of the
glasses. In another example, the circuits are in other parts of the
frame of the glasses, such as inside a lens holder, in a hinge
region between a lens holder and the corresponding hinge of the
lens holder, or in a temple of the glasses. In yet another example,
the circuits can be in a shield of the glasses, such as a shield
that extends from a portion of a lens holder towards the face of
the wearer of the glasses. These circuits can be coupled to the
sensor 750 via conducting wires/cables embedded in the glasses. For
example, the sensor 750 can be coupled to circuits in a hinge
region via conducting wires embedded inside a lens holder, such as
inside one of the lens holders of the glasses. In yet another
embodiment, the coupling between the circuits and the sensor can be
achieved wirelessly, and there can be a power source, such as a
battery, in one of the nose pads.
[0088] Different types of electronic circuits are applicable to
process the one or more outputs from the sensor 750. For example,
circuits similar to those shown in FIGS. 3A-D can be used. In
another embodiment, signals can be digitized and then digitally
processed via a controller.
[0089] In yet another embodiment, the glasses are a pair of
goggles. Electronics or processing circuitry at the strap, lens
holder(s), the bridge and/or other part of the goggles interact
with a heart rate sensor. In one approach, the heart rate sensor is
based on measuring reflected signals, and is at a nose pad of the
goggles. When worn, the goggles could be tightly fitted to the
user, even when the user is moving rigorously. The sensor could
interact with electronics in the goggles, as in different examples
described in this application. In another approach, the goggles
have soft rubber pads, and the heart rate sensor could be mounted
or embedded in the goggles' soft rubber pad at a location that
presses against the user's face when worn. In one embodiment, the
sensor is configured to be embedded in the goggle's soft rubber pad
in a fashion similar to the sensor embedded to a nose pad of the
glasses shown in FIG. 7.
[0090] A number of embodiments have been described about a pair of
glasses and/or other wearable apparatus having a heart rate monitor
and/or a heart rate sensor. In yet another embodiment, the glasses
and/or other wearable apparatus further includes one or more
additional electronic devices, such as an activity sensor. One
example of an activity sensor is a pedometer. Another example of an
activity sensor is a positioning sensing device, which can be based
on a global positioning system (GPS).
[0091] A pair of glasses for heart rate monitoring with
functionality of a pedometer has a number of advantages. For
example, the user has the health problem of irregular heart beat.
It might not be accurate to determine whether the user has been
exercising just based on her heart beat. However, the pedometer
should be able to better indicate the amount of exercise the user
has gone through. Another application is that if the user
constantly experiences irregular heart beat, the pedometer would be
able to better indicate the physical conditions of the user at the
onset of the irregular heart beat, such as whether the user has
been at rest or in motion.
[0092] Yet another application of a pair of glasses for heart rate
monitoring with functionalities of a pedometer is on the condition
of the irregular heart beat triggering a call for medical help. If
the call is based on the heart rate exceeding a certain number per
minute, that certain number can be a function of how rigorous the
user has been exercising. In other words, the base line for
triggering the call could depend on the output of the pedometer.
Thus, if the heart beat sensor measures an elevated heartbeat, and
the pedometer indicates that the user is exercising, a call may not
be triggered. However, without exercise, the same elevated
heartbeat could be considered a dangerous situation, and a call
would be initiated.
[0093] Also, this predetermined elevated heartbeat can be
personalized to the user because different user might have a
different threshold. In one embodiment, this elevated heartbeat can
be user-defined and/or entered by the user into the glasses.
[0094] A controller, such as a microcontroller in the glasses,
could analyze signals from the heart rate sensor and the pedometer
together, and initiate certain actions for the benefit of the user.
In another example, calories burnt by the user could be more
accurately determined based on outputs from a heart rate monitor
and a pedometer.
[0095] In one embodiment, a heart-rate sensor is at a nose pad and
a pedometer is at a hinge region between a hinge and its
corresponding lens holder of the glasses. Additional descriptions
on pedometer in glasses could be found in related applications,
which have been incorporated by reference.
[0096] Another example of an additional electronic device is a
temperature sensor. The temperature sensor could keep track of the
user's temperature. In one embodiment, a temperature sensor can be
in a nose pad, and a heart-rate sensor can be in the other nose pad
of a pair of glasses. As an example of an application, the user is
running a marathon. It would be advantageous to monitor both the
user's heart rate and temperature. In another embodiment,
electronics in a pair of glasses can include a heart-rate sensor, a
temperature sensor, a transceiver and a speaker. In addition to
capturing information regarding the user's heart rate and
temperature, the glasses can play music to the user.
[0097] In another embodiment, a pair of glasses does not have a
heart-rate sensor. However, one of the nose pads has a temperature
sensor. Additional descriptions on temperature sensors in glasses
could be found in related applications, which have been
incorporated by reference.
[0098] A number of embodiments have been described where the
heart-rate monitor includes a sensor with a radiation transmitter
and a radiation receiver to measure the heart rate. In one
embodiment, the sensor includes a pressure sensor, such as a
piezo-electric sensor. To measure heart rate, the sensor touches a
part of the skin that has an artery below it. As the heart pumps
blood flows through the artery, the artery expands and contracts.
The sensor can sense the pulsation based on the change in pressure
exerted on the sensor. For example, the sensor is positioned on top
of the carotid artery. As another example, the sensor presses onto
the temple region of a user's head. In one embodiment, the sensor
is at an extension from an arm of a pair of glasses. The extension
is close to a temple of the user. The position of the arm where the
sensor is can press onto the temple of the user for heart-rate
measurement. In another example, the sensor can be incorporated in
an elastic band that can be wrapped around the user's neck, with
the sensor positioned over the carotid artery of the user.
[0099] A number of embodiments have been described regarding a
temple arrangement, such as a temple tip, that can be acquired
after the purchase of the glasses. In one embodiment, different
nose pads with different electrical components also can be acquired
after market, or after the purchase of the glasses. These nose pads
can replace the existing nose pads of a pair of glasses.
[0100] The various embodiments, implementations and features of the
invention noted above can be combined in various ways or used
separately. Those skilled in the art will understand from the
description that the invention can be equally applied to or used in
other various different settings with respect to various
combinations, embodiments, implementations or features provided in
the description herein.
[0101] A number of embodiments in the invention can be implemented
in software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. A
number of embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as
computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer
readable medium is any data storage device that can store data
which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the
computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access
memory, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and
carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed
over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable
code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[0102] Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
become obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may
be practiced without these specific details. The description and
representation herein are the common meanings used by those
experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and
circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring aspects of the present invention.
[0103] Also, in this specification, reference to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the order of blocks in
process flowcharts or diagrams representing one or more embodiments
of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order
nor imply any limitations in the invention.
[0104] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with
the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *